Are you planning on
purchasing applicant tracking, recruiting software in the near future? Applicant
tracking systems allow you to track and manage all of those applicants in one
place, prevent discrimination, and save money.
If you’ve been tasked
with researching your next online recruitment software, we have a few questions
you should ask during your next demo. This
list compiled from frequently asked questions we have received from people attending
iRecruit’s demos (Tuesdays, or Thursdays at 2pm Eastern Time).
1. What features do you
provide?
Many ATS’ provide very similar features and functions. As you build your comparison, what is important
to you? iRecruit features requisition approval, social media integration,
communication packages and more.
Why this question is
important: Purchasing and
implementing a new ATS is a big investment in terms of dollars, but also in
terms of time. You don’t want to waste your time and company money with
something that will not meet your needs.
2. How customizable is
the recruitment software?
Is everything set “out
of the box” or are you able to customize such things as job application forms,
applicant rejection emails, and other settings such as workflow?
Why this question is
important: Flexibility will help you
get the workflow you want, the reports you need, and allow you to grow as a
company with a flexible ATS.
3. What is the
implementation process like?
How long does it take
(on average) to get going on your software? Who should be involved?
Why this question is
important: Knowing what the
implementation steps are, and how long the set up process is will help you plan
a successful set up of your new software.
4. How much training
will we have?
How much initial
training will we have? Will I have to pay extra for training if I add any new
recruiters or hiring managers?
Why this question is
important: Training is crucial to
user adoption, which is key to having a successful implementation. Knowing
what’s included and what may be an additional expense is helpful for planning
your budget.
5. What level of
service should I expect?
What kind of turnaround
time can I expect on any support issues or requests we have? What are your
customer support hours? Will I have an assigned customer service
representative?
Why this question is
important: Knowing what to expect
when you need support will give you peace of mind that your needs will be taken
care of as they arise. How is support delivered? Email, phone, remote support
session?
6. Do you have a trial
period?
Can I test your
software on my own time? Keep in mind, some HR software vendors do not offer free
trials due to the amount of custom detail and time involved with the setup of a
new customer. Also, doing a trial without having any training may not help you make
the most of your trial.
Why this question is
important: This help determine if
the software is actually a good fit for your needs. Make the most of any trial
periods by asking as many questions as possible, and attending any training
that may be available, and trying out every feature that is offered with the recruiting
software. At the end of your trial period, contact the vendor with any
questions you have.
7. What if we’re not a
fit after we purchase, and we want to cancel?
This can happen with
any software. If you are locked into a 1 or 2 year contract you may not be able
to cancel without a penalty, or move to another solution quickly.
Why this question is
important: Knowing where you stand
if things don’t go the way you hoped can give you peace of mind. Your software
purchase is an investment of time as well as dollars
8. What happens in the
case of a disaster?
What is your back up
capability? Who is responsible in the case of data loss, accidental deletions or
disasters? Can data be restored?
Why this question is
important: Knowing what happens in
the event of a disaster should be covered in your contract or client agreement.
Having this in writing is important for peace of mind, and security.
9. What is the average
size and/or type of customer?
How large are your
customers? What industries do you support?
Why this question is
important: Knowing the average
employee size of a vendor tells you how much the company can handle on support.
Do they have a niche, or focus on any industry specific areas or non profits
for example.
10. What are the costs?
Sticking to a budget is
important in any economy. Making sure you get the costs upfront is critical to
sticking to a department budget. Are there costs for adding other users? Are
there costs for having a certain amount of requisitions or a certain amount of
applicants per month?
Why this question is
important: Knowing what it will cost
for implementation, training, customizations and any monthly fees will help you
stick to your budget. Always ask for costs upfront to avoid any surprises
later.
Bonus Question:
Can you give me a
reference?
Why this question is
important: Being able to speak to a
current customer of the vendor will help you get a feel for the customer support levels and responsiveness of the vendor.
About iRecruit
iRecruit is an online recruitment and applicant tracking software designed to provide any size of business a cost effective, affordable and simple way to handle their recruiting process online. iRecruit provides you with your own career center that will allow your applicants to select the position they are interested in, and apply online through your website!
Weekly demos, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm Eastern Time (Register Today), or call us at 1-800-517-9099 to schedule a demo at your convenience.